Events

Gonzaga Unveils, Community Welcomes New Pedestrian Safety Feature

SPOKANE, Wash. – Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh and Spokane Mayor Mary Verner – with Gonzaga Student Body Association President Tyler Hobbs and Logan Neighborhood Council Chair Jeanette Harras – unveiled the latest safety improvement for students and the public at a dangerous intersection Sept. 8.

A student crosses the Hamilton-Desmet intersection, demonstrating the effectiveness of the new signage (visible in the background). Photo by Peter Tormey.

In a ceremony at the corner of Desmet Avenue and Hamilton Street the leaders said collaboration among all parties led to installation of the new flashing-lights sign designed to improve driver awareness and safety for all pedestrians at the crossing adjacent to campus.

A pedestrian enhancement island was recently installed in the crosswalk at the intersection. The installation allows pedestrians to push a button to activate flashing yellow lights that notify motorists traveling both north and south on Hamilton that pedestrians intend to cross. The project, funded by Gonzaga and the City, is among several enhancements planned to improve pedestrian safety for the Gonzaga community and the public.

President McCulloh said advocacy efforts by Gonzaga students were instrumental, and thanked all involved.

“I would like to express my personal thanks to Mayor Verner, the City, and our Logan neighbors who worked diligently and quickly this summer to make this traffic-safety improvement project happen,” President McCulloh said.

Safety is of utmost importance to Gonzaga, he said, emphasizing that caution remains the most effective way to avoid accidents.

“It is incumbent on everyone – drivers, pedestrians and cyclists – to remain extra diligent to assure the safety of all. Gonzaga will continue to work with the Logan Neighborhood Council and the City to improve safety around campus – including work on proposed revisions to Sharp Avenue,” Dr. McCulloh said.